Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the international police operation that led to thirty-four arrests including a major Irish drug dealer.

However speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the good work by the Gardaí and the other police organisations will not have a major impact on the drugs crisis here unless the Government gets serious about tackling the demand for drugs and helping people to come off drugs.

Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

“I welcome last night’s major police operation which has led to the arrest of thirty-four people including a major Irish drug trafficker. It is clear from this and other operations that the Gardaí are playing their part in the war on drugs.

“However the war on drugs must also be about tackling the demand for drugs and helping people to come off drugs and unless the Government gets serious about these issues the good work of the Gardaí will not have a major impact on the drugs crisis here.

“As long as there is a major demand for drugs here then there will be a major supply of drugs. Other drug dealers lower down the ladder will simply replace the big drug barons as the Gardaí are taking them off the streets.” ENDS